December 2017/January 2018

Banff & King Edward Parish Churches

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Dear Friends in Banff and King Edward,

In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:4, 5, 9)

We have been thinking in some church services about the Reformation, as this is the 500th anniversary of the start of that religious and political movement which led to the separation of Protestant churches from the then Roman Catholic church. It was a movement that sought to bring the good news of God’s forgiving love to ordinary people and give them assurance

of this through the bible being translated into ordinary language and printed and distributed to all. It showed them and us that we can talk to God directly and do not need special priests or ministers to act as intermediaries; it in fact became known as the ‘priesthood of all believers’.

It was a powerful movement that not only changed our world and shaped governments from Scotland to America, but shapes what our churches are today. It began as a protest by Martin Luther in Germany against abuses by the church, and was taken up and developed by John Calvin in Switzerland who thought it all through systematically and then John Knox brought it with his firebrand preaching to Scotland. It began in effect with one courageous voice in Germany and spread across Europe to change our world today, and shows us that one voice sharing together with others in God can change things dramatically for the good of many.

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Many of us were inspired by the contribution from Banff Primary School choir at our Remembrance Day Service in Banff. The choir sang the song;

I am one little voice and I want to be heard, I am one little voice but I give you my word, I will try to make this world of ours A place where all can live, In the unity and brotherhood of man. ..Will you join the song with me, will you add your voice?

It started with a soloist but each verse grew with more and more people singing until the final verse was sung by the whole congregation- a full church

We’re a world of little voices and we want to be heard, We’re a world of little voices and we give you our word, We will try to make this world of ours, A place where all can live. In the unity and brotherhood of man.

It often feels like we are just a lone voice but the young people reminded us, as does the Reformation, how one voice can inspire others and together with God, we can make our world better.

The Reformation spread through the invention of the printing press and bibles being printed in people’s own languages. I was thinking of this when I attended the Deveron Digital Expo recently in Macduff Primary School; this was an exhibition of modern digital technology, which aimed to encourage and help people develop modern digital skills so that people and activities and jobs could develop locally. There were maybe just a few hundred people attending but the hope is that this will make a difference by raising people’s aspirations and encouraging them to use their talents to learn and develop new skills.

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In a way that is what we are trying to do in church; help people find the Spirit that inspires, encourages and empowers us so that we can grow individually and together so that all in our community benefit.

Later in the Bridge, Elinor Smith tells of Kirk Session discussions around the question “What does the gospel mean to you?” and what we might say to others about what our church offers in particular. What would your answer be?

Our thoughts involved key words like; sharing forgiveness, friendship, faith; love, peace, hope, joy; and life-bringing strength, courage and guidance of God through Jesus and his Spirit. All this as we grow together in His challenge to serve one another and others in neighbour-liness and community amidst life’s trials.

We were doing this in preparation for our stewardship programme next year to give everyone an opportunity to hear more of what is going on, share in some of the news and excitement, and consider how we might further develop and support this work.

We realised some in our community think church is only for members; that may have been the way the church appeared in the past but it is not the face of our modern church. Whether it is Sunday services, weddings, funerals, or children, all are welcome. Likewise all of the activities in the church or halls are open to all in our community; our care extends far beyond our walls whether through personal care and support, our donations or through the activities of our members in community organisations. Indeed, given the pressures facing other community organisations, we hope our churches develop more at the hub of our communities, sharing the heart of God where we can and sharing the words and hopes mentioned earlier.

Many of these hopes can be seen in our Christmas readings and hymns, Think, for example, about the following words taken from some of our best known Christmas carols;

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Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all man-kind; Peace on earth, good will to men; Love came down at Christmas ... to all men; Joy to the world the Lord is come, he rules the world with truth and grace; child who inherits all our transgressions; And he feeleth for our sadness and he shareth in our gladness; Tidings of comfort and joy; O holy child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray, cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.

No, I am not going to tell you which hymns! Look out for them yourself this Christmas and be open to the other words we sing that we often let glide past us so easily. Let the words of our Christmas hymns again speak truth to you, inspire and challenge you anew. See again parts of the good news of Jesus you knew in the past and open up to new insights of His goodness and truth.

Christmas is dawning upon us: hope and light amidst darkness. We remember at this time how the lone prophet Isaiah spoke up and said a Saviour would come who would bring a new Spirit of peace and righteous-ness and it would be a little child who would lead the way. For God sent his one Son, as a unique and at times lonely voice but especially at Christmas time we can hear his voice anew and hear his challenge to see the vision once again to work for his kingdom, in the brotherhood and sisterhood of men and women

The hope we have is for His goodness to shine out again no matter how dark the winter gets, no matter how hard and painful our lives are for we follow a Saviour who came into a dark world of captivity and impoverishment to bring hope, forgiveness and new Spirit, that can change things and help us change our lives, our communities, our world. May the grace, truth, peace and hope of Bethlehem shine anew to and through you once again this Christmas, whatever you are facing.

Happy Christmas David

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CHRISTMAS TO-DO LIST

KING EDWARD GUILD

There will be no meeting in December. Our first meeting in 2018 is on

Thursday, 4th January when we will have a Musical

Journey.

At our February meeting we will welcome Sheila

Steele who will give a demonstration on arts and

crafts. March will see us enjoying an evening meal

together.

The Presbyterial AGM will be held on Thursday, 5th

April at Macduff Parish Church. The meeting will focus on ‘Caring For

Mother Earth’ one of our Guild projects.

Our Guild year will close on the 12th April with our Annual General

Meeting.

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Stewardship of Talents Group

Our group aims to promote individual and group talents within the church and the local community under the theme “Just Serve.” Founded and developed three years ago, we aim to identify talents and skills from within our congregation to enhance the lives and lifestyle of our community.

All members of our congregation (and non-members too) have been encouraged to fill up and return a tick-sheet which lists their own available talents. The Stewardship of Talents Group

then seeks to put these talents to good use in the service of our church and community. Banff Parish Church already has various groups doing sterling work; –Pastoral Care, Outreach, Fellowship, Worship and Resources to mention but a few; these do valuable, often unseen, work in our church and community.

During October, opportunities to use our time and talents were highlighted by Vera at two church services. We were delighted to receive feedback on a variety of volunteering opportunities and the Stewardship of Talents Group will endeavour, during the coming weeks to seek out and enhance opportunities to “Just Serve” for all who seek these, particularly hoping to offer help in our local schools and hospital where, we believe particular opportunities may be available.

We know that many individuals in our church already give hugely of their time and talents in serving church and community needs; these are fully acknow-ledged and greatly appreciated by Banff Parish Church. We would however , prayerfully suggest that you take time to have a look at the Talents information displayed at the back of the church and, where appropriate fill out or update your Talents Tick Sheet, using our new pink “Just Serve” sheet.

At present, the group members are Margaret Henderson, Vera Lumsden, Yvonne McIntosh, Janet Simpson and Charlie Smith. Any one of us will be pleased to answer any questions you might have on the stewardship of talents.

SERVE

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Can you find CHRIS-MOUSE and his friends? They are hiding in a number of shop windows in Banff. All you have to do is find each mouse and add its name to the entry form alongside the shop window it is hiding in.

Entry forms are available at the back of the church and at any of the activities in the church hall. Closing date for entries is Sunday, 17th December 2017. Entries can be posted through the church office letterbox on Back Path or handed to Karen Cumming or any church official.

Prizes will be awarded for two categories (under 14 years and over 14 years)

Thanks to all the ladies who knitted our colourful mice.

CHRIS-MOUSE IS MISSING!

BUSY HANDS

The last meeting of the group for 2017 will be at the end of November. This group is open to anyone who would like to come along and knit,

crochet, sew or craft along with others. We work on our own projects as well as charity items which are either distributed locally or further afield through the Loving Hands Group.

Dates for next year (so far): January 27th and February 24th . We meet at 10am until noon. The kettle is always on for tea or coffee.

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KING EDWARD CALENDAR

We will have our 2018 calendar

for sale soon with a selection of

interesting recipes . A perfect

gift for Christmas at only £5.00.

Calendars are available in King

Edward Hall and the Church.

CHRISTMAS FAIRS Banff Church Hall

Christmas Lights Group Christmas Fair on Thursday, 7th

December at 6.30pm Banff Academy Christmas Fair

Saturday, 9th December (details will be on our Face Book page)

Santa will be in attendance in his grotto at both events.

Point to Ponder

For regular updates on what’s on in Banff and King Edward Parish Churches look at our Face Book page and Website.

www.banffparishchurchofscotland.co.uk

Some say doubt is the opposite

of faith, others say the opposite

of faith is certainty. What would

you say?

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MONTHLY LUNCH

We invite you to join us at our Christmas Lunch and/or Fellowship Afternoon on Thursday, 7th December in Banff Church Hall. Lunches will be served from noon-1.30pm followed by a short Christmas Service. At 2pm there will be a concert including hot mincemeat pies and a cup of tea. There will be no Fellowship Lunch in January. Our next lunch will be on Thursday, 1st February in the main hall from noon-1.30 pm. We look forward to seeing you next year!

We, the Fellowship Group, wish you all a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2018

Come along to a Christmas Eve Service with a difference!

On Christmas Eve 24th. December, in King Edward Church, informal carol singing at 6.45 p.m.

At 7p.m., the King Edward Players present

“Have Yourself a Health and Safety Christmas”

including many favourite carols.

Children and adults can come along dressed in any nativity costume if they wish (optional).

Children can join the choir on the night to sing carols they’ve been learning in school.

Come along and join in the fun and

singing, as we celebrate the birth of the

new-born King .

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OPEN DOOR @ KIRK CAFE

Banff Church Hall - Thursdays 2 - 4 pm

Coffee and Company has now become OPEN DOOR @ KIRK CAFÉ.

Everyone in our community, church and visitors are welcome to drop in for a free cuppa and an opportunity to chat on Thursday afternoons from 2-4pm.

NEWS FROM BPC KIRK SESSION

We spent most of the time at our November meeting being updated on safeguarding issues by Mrs Louise Simpson, Presbytery Safeguarding Adviser. Under the theme of “ensuring a safe church for all”, Louise re-minded us that God cares passionately about the welfare and well-being of all people at every age and stage of life. If there are any safeguarding issues that you would like more information on, Mr Charlie Smith our Safeguarding Co-ordinator will be pleased to help.

Our Minister posed the question “What does the gospel mean to you?” He encouraged Kirk Session members to consider and jot down what they think, and might say to others, about what we as a church are all about and what the church means to each individual, especially to guide us in our planning for the future.

This helped us in our discussion on the financial stewardship campaign that we are planning for Spring 2018.We agreed that we wanted to inspire enthuse and excite people about all of the work that our church is doing in our community. You will be hearing more about these plans in the coming months

If you would like more information on any of the above, please contact me directly – I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Wishing you, your families and friends peace and joy this Christmas and throughout the New Year.

Elinor Smith, Session Clerk

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The Messy Church Team wish you all a very Happy Christmas

and look forward to seeing you all for lots of fun and happy times at

Messy Church in 2018

A Christmas Musical

Banff Parish Church

Friday 8th December 2017

Show starts at 6pm

FOR ALL THE FAMILY ALL ARE WELCOME

Entry £4 (including refreshments)

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King Edward SWI

SWI meetings are held in King Edward Hall at 7.30pm.

Wednesday 17th January Holiday Travel by Mrs Thomson

Friday 23rd February Scots Night

Wednesday 21st March Crafty Quines

All are welcome to come along to our meetings.

Would you like to bring joy to a child this Christmas?

Karen, our Children and Family Worker, has met with Homestart Deveron who support over seventy five families in our area. Many of these families face Christmas Day with no gifts—if you would like to donate a gift there will be a CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE at the back of the church from next week. Gifts can also be handed into the church hall at any of the weekly activities. Final date for donations is Friday, 15th December.

Homestart request new, un-wrapped gifts (particularly for age 0-18 months and 13-18 years). Cash donations are also accepted, these will be used to buy gifts. For further information please contact Karen on 07484090127 or call the church office on 818211.

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CHRISTMAS CONCERT

BANFF PARISH CHURCH

DEVERON RIVER BRASS BAND

Christmas Concert by Junior and Senior

bands on Saturday, 17th December in Banff

Parish Church at 2pm. Refreshments

available.

ALL WELCOME

Dear Friends,

I would like to use this Bridge to thank all those who work so very hard during the year to share God’s Love, Care and Spirit in our churches and show the reality of Jesus Christ today in Banff and King Edward. You are making an important difference for good.

As winter darkness settles in and we see more sad news around our world, I pray that, amidst all that is going on, even amidst the busy-ness of Christmas, something of the real peace, joy, love and hope of the original Christmas shines out anew to you all, and indeed to others in our communities through you.

Happy Christmas everybody.

David

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FOOD BAG MINISTRY

There are people in our community who, for whatever reason, may be going through a difficult time. Some families are having to choose between food and heating—can you help? There is a box at the back of Banff Parish church if you would like to donate items. Food should be non-perishable and well within sell-by date. If you would like to donate but can’t come to church please speak to your elder or call the church office (818211)

Sincere thanks to everyone who filled boxes and/or donated money to the BLYTHSWOOD SHOEBOX APPEAL 2017 cash donations in excess of £80 and 120 shoeboxes were loaded into the Blythswood lorry last week on the first leg of their journey abroad.

If you are unable to take goods to the Blythswood containers in Banff or Macduff, please contact Ron Smith on 01261 815440.

STAMPS

Our used stamps are given to Cancer Research. This is such a worthwhile cause. There is a box at the back of the church for your stamps. Leave a half centimetre of envelope around the stamp when you cut them out. Foreign coins can also raise money for Christian Aid. There is a collection box for coins at the back of the church.

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Banff & King Edward Parish Churches

Memorial Service

In Banff Parish Church

Sunday, 14th January at 6.30pm This is a quiet service of remembrance.

We welcome anyone who feels the loss

of a loved one, an opportunity to

remember, reflect and share the pain,

for we are not alone.

ALL WELCOME

I carry across in my pocket.

A simple reminder to me of that fact that I am a Christian, no matter

where I may be.

When I put my hand in my pocket to bring out a coin or key,

The cross is there to remind me of the price Christ paid for me.

It reminds me, too, to be thankful for my blessings day by day

And to strive to serve Him better in all that I do and say.

It’s also a daily reminded of the peace and comfort I share

With all who know my Master and give themselves to His care.

So, I carry a cross I my pocket reminding no one but me that Jesus

Christ is Lord of my life if only I’ll let Him be.

CROSSES Would you like a cross for your pocket?

There are hand crafted wooden crosses for sale in Banff Parish Church. Thanks to Keith Donald who made them from surplus pews from Banff Parish Church.

CROSS IN MY POCKET

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BEREAVEMENTS We remember with sadness, the following members who have died and those whose funerals were conducted on behalf of King Edward and Banff Parish Churches

Mrs Isabel Morrison, Banff Mr George Greig, Banff

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

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Ministry of Flowers We are grateful to the following who will donate flowers to beautify Banff Church during December.

3rd December Mrs I. Tewnion 10th December Mr & Mrs C Smith 17th December 1st Banff Brownies 24th December Stephen Pratt 31st December Mr & Mrs K Donald

The Flower Group would like to thank everyone who has donated flowers this year. We also very much appreciate the donations in the flower box at the back of the church or those handed to us personally. On average we make up five or six bunches of flowers each Sunday for the Elders to deliver to the bereaved or ill. Some flowers are delivered as a "minding", just to let folks know they are not forgotten. Regardless of the reason folks are most appreciative and are pleased to know that the Church family is thinking of them.

The Flower list for 2018 is at the back of the Church for anyone to add their name to a date of their choice. Should your date of choice be already allocated please speak to any of the Flower Group and we will try to accommodate you.

We take this opportunity to wish you all a

Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.

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Wed Dec 6th 7pm Banff Kirk Session Meeting in Lower Hall

Wed Dec 6th 2.15pm Service in Doo’cot View

Thurs Dec 7th Noon Christmas Lunch followed by Carol Service

Thurs Dec 7th 6.30pm Christmas Lights Craft Fair in Banff Church Hall

Fri Dec 8th 6pm Steve the Shepherd Musical in Banff Church Hall

Tues Dec 12th 3pm Service in Airlie Gardens

Thurs Dec 14th 2-4pm Open Door @ Kirk Cafe

Sun Dec 17th 2pm Deveron River Brass Band Concert

SEE BACK PAGE CHRISTMAS SERVICE AND ACTIVITIES

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

BRIDGE MAGAZINE

The February Bridge will be a Banff Special. Please give some thought to articles you would like to submit and hand them to the Editor by Sunday, 15th January 2017

Articles can be emailed to rjs.simpson@btinternet.com. Please include ‘Bridge’ in the subject line.

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Minister: Rev David I W Locke MA M.Sc., BD Tel: 01261 812107 email:davidlockerev@yahoo.co.uk

Pastoral Assistant: Vera Lumsden Tel 07890865931 Children and Family Worker: Mrs Karen Cumming Tel 07484090127

Church Office 01261 818211 email:janetsimpson@banffparishchurchofscotland.co.uk

BANFF PARISH CHURCH - Charity No SC015501

Session Clerk Mrs Elinor Smith 815782

Fellowship & Service Co-ordinator Mrs Rosie Blanchard 861029

Outreach Co-ordinator Mrs Moira Gess 815147

Resource Group Mr Jim Buchan

Pastoral Care Group Mrs Mary Cameron 812716

Communion Elder Mr Charlie Smith 815782

Safeguarding Co-ordinator Mr Charlie Smith 815782

Roll Keeper Mr Donald Galloway

Church Officer Mr Gordon Mustard 861545

Property Conveners Ron Smith and Ian Cameron 815440 812716

Hall Keeping Team Contact Church Office 818211

Magazine Editor Mrs Janet Simpson 843221

Organist Mr Stephen Pratt 833113

Church Secretary Mrs Janet Simpson. Church Office 818211

Life and Work Convener Mrs Moira Ingram 812393

Flower Convener Mrs Pat McLennan 815737

Resource Group Clerk Mrs Irene Tewnion

Treasurer/Gift Aid Convener Mr Trevor Leuty 821282

FWO Treasurer Mrs Moira Gess 815147

KING EDWARD CHURCH - Charity No SC015077

Session Clerk Mrs Margaret Brown 821316

Roll Keeper Mrs Nancy Simpson 01888 568602

Treasurer Mrs Sandra French

Fabric Convener Mr Eric Wilson 832951

Church Officer/Hall Keeper Mr Frank Schapitz 821123

Organist Mrs Eleanor Wilson 818240

Flower Convener Mrs Isobel Smith 821348

Guild President Mrs Eleanor Wilson 818240

Hall Committee President Mrs Jayne Pirie 821680

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